The bird tower at Reersø — views across Flasken and the Great Belt

Out on the Reersø peninsula, where the Halleby River meets the Great Belt, stands a bird tower overlooking one of West Zealand's most important wetland areas. The tower on Reersøvejen provides views across the protected area known as Flasken — the river's outlet into the strait — and the surrounding coastal meadows, where thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds gather year-round. It is a place for the patient observer, but also for anyone who simply wants to stand still and let their gaze sweep across a landscape that has looked the same for centuries.

A peninsula with a past as an island

Reersø was a true island until the mid-1600s. Gradual sand deposits created the narrow spit called Skiften, which today connects the peninsula to the mainland — but during severe storms the sea can still wash over the low-lying meadows and recreate the old island for a while. You can feel that history when you walk here. The landscape feels remote and timeless, with half-timbered farms, free-roaming geese on the roads and a silence broken only by the cry of birds. Queen Margaret I reportedly came ashore here, and Queen Margrethe II followed in her footsteps in 1995.

The protected nature area

The 1979 conservation order covers 295 hectares of coastal meadows, water surfaces and cliff faces. Flasken — the actual river mouth — is a shallow, nutrient-rich area that attracts remarkable birdlife. Ospreys have been observed with up to four young, spoonbills have been sighted on several occasions, and in winter large flocks of brent geese, swans and coots gather on the meadows. The steep cliffs of Dalby Hals rise dramatically on the west-facing side, giving the landscape a coastal character more reminiscent of Møns Klint than the typical Zealand coast. From the bird tower, on a clear day you can see all the way to Kalundborg and the large industrial facilities at the harbour — a contrasting backdrop to the otherwise untouched natural landscape.

Landscape and location

Reersø lies west of Gørlev in Kalundborg Municipality, approximately 20 kilometres south of Kalundborg town. The peninsula extends into the Great Belt between Jammerland Bay to the north and Musholm Bay to the south. Gørlev is the nearest town with shops, and from there it is just a few minutes' drive to Reersøvejen, where the bird tower stands. Fællesfolden — the open meadow area near the tower — is grazed by horses and cattle that keep the landscape open and prevent scrub encroachment. It is precisely this management that ensures wading birds continue to have the open areas they need.

Experiences in the area

Reersø offers more than birds. The peninsula has a thriving art scene with studios and exhibitions gathered under Reersø Kultur, and Reersø Kro serves food made with local ingredients. Reersø Camping is situated near a fine bathing beach, and along the coast you can walk the popular Reersø Rundt trail, which passes cliffs, coastal meadows and the small harbour with views of the Musholm salmon farm. To the north lies Gørlev Sø with shelters and a nature playground, and Tissø — Zealand's second-largest lake — is within easy driving distance. Discover even more experiences in the Kalundborg area and the rest of West Zealand at destinationsjaelland.dk.